Muskmelon Pedicle
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Herbs for External Use and Others
Muskmelon Pedicle
Latin:
Pediculus Melo
Origin:
This herb is the dried pedicle of Cucumis melo L., an annual climber of the family Cucurbitaceae. Probably native of Asia, though it has been in cultivation for so long its native habitat is obscure. The plant is grown in China, Haiti, Iraq, Java, Kurdistan, Mexico, Turkey, etc.
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Muskmelon grows to about 1.5 m high. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The flowers are monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and are pollinated by insects. The plant is self-fertile but cannot grow in the shade. It requires moist soil.
Muskmelon is cultivated all over China. In the mature season, the green pedicle is collected and dried in the shade.
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Also called Common Melon Pedicle,
Properties:
Bitter in flavor, cold and toxic in nature, it is related to the stomach channel.
Functions:
Induces vomiting when taken orally; clears jaundice when used externally.
Muskmelon pedicle can cause phlegm and fluid, retained food and toxic substances out from stomach. When grinded into powder for smelling, it can clear damp-heat and jaundice and is used for jaundice of damp heat.
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Applications:
1. For mania caused by invasion of phlegm-heat to the heart, or persistent retention of food or toxic substances in the stomach:
Muskmelon pedicle is decocted alone in water, taken to induce vomiting to get rid of evils.
2. For jaundice due to damp-heat:
Muskmelon pedicle is grinded into fine powder for smelling, to clear jaundice.
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Dosage and Administration:
2.5-5 g. for oral dose.
0.3-l g. when used in bolus or powder.
Proper amount for external use.
Cautions on Use:
Owing to its strong toxicity, its dosage should be controlled strictly if taken orally.
The sprouting seed produces a toxic substance in its embryo.
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Reference Materials:
Toxic or Side Effects:
Toxic. When poisoned by this herb, the patient may even die from paralysis of the respiratory center.
Modern Researches:
Muskmelon pedicle contains cucurbitacin, which has effects of anti-hepatitis and preventing fatty liver. It can stimulate gastric mucous to induce vomiting.
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The fruits can be used as a cooling light cleanser or moisturiser for the skin. They are also used as a first aid treatment for burns and abrasions.
The flowers are expectorant and emetic (induces vomiting).
The fruit is stomachic.
The seed is antitussive, digestive, febrifuge and vermifuge. When used as a vermifuge, the whole seed complete with the seed coat is ground into a fine flour, then made into an emulsion with water and eaten. It is then necessary to take a purge in order to expel the tapeworms or other parasites from the body.
The root is diuretic and emetic., 百拇医药